Fabric compositions and methods of production and use thereof

ABSTRACT

Fabric compositions are disclosed, along with methods of production and use thereof. Garments formed partially or wholly from the fabric compositions are also disclosed, along with methods of production and use thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE STATEMENT

This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(a) of Great Britain Application No. 1223292.2, filed Dec. 21, 2012. The entire contents of the above-referenced application are hereby expressly incorporated in this application by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view through a fabric of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s).

FIG. 2 depicts a front, rear and side view of a pair of shorts made from the fabric of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a front, rear and side view of a pair of leggings made from the fabric of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a front, rear and side view of a pair of capri leggings made from the fabric of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a long-sleeved top made from the fabric of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a vest made from the fabric of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a hooded long-sleeved top made from the fabric of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) in detail, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) pertains. All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications referenced in any portion of this application are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

All of the articles and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the articles and methods of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the articles and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. For example but not by way of limitation, when the term “about” is utilized, the designated value may vary by plus or minus twelve percent, or eleven percent, or ten percent, or nine percent, or eight percent, or seven percent, or six percent, or five percent, or four percent, or three percent, or two percent, or one percent. The use of the term “at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, etc. The term “at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting, as higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. In addition, the use of the term “at least one of X, Y and Z” will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y and Z. The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e., “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between two or more items and is not meant to imply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another or any order of addition, for example.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

As used herein, the term “substantially” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance completely occurs or that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs to a great extent or degree. For example, the term “substantially” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs at least 90% of the time, or at least 95% of the time, or at least 98% of the time.

Turning now to the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), many people find it hard to reduce and/or maintain their body weight. There is therefore a need in art for products which can help with weight loss and/or increase the effectiveness of any exercise undertaken. The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a fabric comprising neoprene and that is particularly suitable for assisting weight loss, as well as articles formed therefrom, along with methods for producing and using said fabric and articles formed therefrom.

In certain embodiments, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed to a fabric composition comprising neoprene and a mixed metal oxide, wherein said mixed metal oxide comprises aluminium and silicon. Embodiments of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) are also directed to methods of incorporating a mixed metal oxide comprising aluminium and silicon into a fabric. Another embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed to a method of using the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) for the purpose of increasing body temperature and/or increasing energy expenditure and/or assisting weight loss of a wearer of the garment. Yet another embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is directed to a method of increasing a body temperature of a subject/person, increasing an energy expenditure of the subject/person, and/or assisting weight loss of the subject/person, wherein the subject/person wears a garment constructed of the fabric composition in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s).

In one embodiment, the mixed metal oxide further comprises zinc and/or magnesium. In another embodiment, the mixed metal oxide may be in the form of a mixture of silicon oxide (SiO₂) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃); in one particular embodiment, the mixed metal oxide further comprises zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or magnesium oxide (MgO). The mixed metal oxide may be in the form of, or derived from, a mineral. In one particular embodiment, the mineral is a silicate mineral, such as but not limited to, an aluminosilicate mineral.

In one particular embodiment, the mixed metal oxide used in the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is a material which emits far-infrared radiation upon absorption of heat, which is referred to herein as a “far-infrared emitter”.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the mixed metal oxide absorbs the heat of the human body and emits far-infrared rays, and that such infrared emission improves blood circulation and increases the body temperature of the wearer of a fabric composition comprising the mixed metal oxide. As used herein, the term “far-infrared” refers to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of at least 4 μm, and up to 1000 μm.

The mixed metal oxide is suitably present in particulate form. The particles may be non-agglomerated or agglomerated or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the primary particle size is no more than 5 μm, and particularly no more than 2 μm. Particle sizes are determined by light scattering (photon correlation spectroscopy). The particles may be prepared by grinding of mineral raw material, according to conventional techniques known in the art. The mixed metal oxide may be prepared in the form of a suspension prior to incorporation into the fabric composition, for instance prior to mixing with the binder. In one particular embodiment, the amount of mixed metal oxide in the fabric composition is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the fabric composition.

The fabric composition described herein enables the production of garments that assist in increasing energy expenditure and facilitating weight, or inch, loss, as well as increasing the effectiveness of exercise when worn by a user. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the neoprene and the mixed metal oxide combine to increase the body temperature of the wearer, which in turn increases the effectiveness of exercise and results in the observed beneficial weight loss effects. In particular, the neoprene acts as a thermal insulator inhibiting the dissipation of the wearer's body heat, while the mixed metal oxide emits radiation in the far infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, contributing to the heating effect. It has been found that the combination of neoprene and the mixed metal oxide is effective at raising the wearer's body temperature leading to increased perspiration and increased energy expenditure helping the wearer to reduce body weight.

Neoprene, also known as polychioroprene, is a synthetic rubber. In one particular embodiment, neoprene is present as a layer of the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). A neoprene layer may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, particularly in the range of 1 mm to 1.5 mm. The neoprene layer may be continuous within the fabric composition, or it may be discontinuous. A continuous neoprene layer increases the overall heat retention properties of the fabric composition. A discontinuous neoprene layer allows optimisation of the placement of neoprene in the resulting garment.

In certain embodiments, the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) has a first cover layer. The first cover layer covers and protects the other components of the fabric composition. The first cover layer is suitably configured so that it is present between the other fabric components and the user's body when the fabric composition is incorporated into a garment. The cover layer allows adjustment of the comfort of the fabric composition experienced by the wearer independent of the other components. The first cover layer may be in a 4-way stretch knit. The first cover layer may comprise nylon and/or polyester; in a particular embodiment, the first cover layer comprises nylon and polyester, which provides a durable and comfortable first cover layer. In particular embodiments, the first cover layer has a fabric weight in the range of 100 to 300 g/m².

In certain embodiments, the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) also comprises a second cover layer. The presence of a second cover layer provides additional protection to the other components of the fabric composition. The second cover layer is suitably configured so that it is present as the outer surface of garment made from the fabric composition. Thus, the first second cover layer can be used as a means for adjusting the outward appearance of the garment and protecting the other fabric components from the environment. In one embodiment, the second cover layer comprises nylon and/or polyester; in a particular embodiment, the second cover layer comprises nylon and polyester. The details described herein with respect to the first cover layer are equally applicable to the second cover layer.

In certain embodiments, the neoprene is positioned between the first cover layer and the second cover layer. This enables protection of the neoprene layer which helps maintain the effectiveness of the fabric composition in enhancing weight loss.

In certain embodiments, the mixed metal oxide may be positioned between the first cover layer and the second cover layer. This enables protection of the mixed metal oxides that contribute to the heating effect of the fabric composition.

In certain embodiments, the fabric composition also comprises one or more binder layer(s). The binder layer facilitates the joining of the various components of the fabric composition together to form a laminate. A first binder layer may be situated between the first cover layer and the neoprene layer. A second binder layer may be situated between the second cover layer and the neoprene layer. The binder(s) of the first and second binder layer may be the same or different.

In certain embodiments, the binder layer is a layer of adhesive. Any neoprene-bondable adhesive suitable for use as a fabric or textile adhesive, as known in the art, may be used. Suitable adhesives comprise curable adhesive, for instant UV-curable and thermally curable adhesives.

In certain embodiments, the mixed metal oxide is present in one or more of the binder layer(s), such as (but not limited to) at least the first binder layer. The second binder layer may also comprise a mixed metal oxide, but in a particular embodiment, the mixed metal oxide is present only in the first binder layer. As noted above, in one particular embodiment, the first cover layer forms the inner surface of the garment, while the second cover layer forms the outer surface of the garment. In this manner, the mixed metal oxide particles in the first binder layer, which contribute to the heating effect, are positioned closer to the wearer's body.

In a particular embodiment, particles of the mixed metal oxide are distributed throughout a binder layer. Incorporating the mixed metal oxide into the binder layer reduces the possibility that the mixed metal oxide will be lost from the fabric composition during normal wear and washing of the fabric composition.

In one embodiment, the mixed metal oxide may form from 2% to 20% of the binder layer by weight. In one particular embodiment, the mixed metal oxide forms from 2% to 15% of the binder layer by weight.

One non-limiting, particular configuration of the fabric composition is to have a first cover layer of nylon and polyester, a second cover layer of nylon and polyester, a neoprene layer, and the mixed metal oxide in a binder layer. A laminate structure for the fabric composition based on this configuration is as follows:

-   -   (i) a first cover layer comprising nylon and/or polyester,     -   (ii) a second cover layer comprising nylon and/or polyester,     -   (iii) a neoprene layer,     -   (iv) a first binder layer between the first cover layer and the         neoprene layer;     -   (v) a second binder layer between the second cover layer and the         neoprene layer; and         wherein the mixed metal oxide is present in the first binder         layer.

The fabric composition may further comprise other components, for instance other silicate or aluminosilicate minerals, particularly those which emit radiation in the far infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. One such component is tourmaline. Tourmaline is a crystal boron silicate mineral, which further contributes to the heating effect of the fabric composition.

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is also directed to a garment made, at least partly, from the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). Such a garment provides the wearer with the beneficial effects described herein. The portion of the garment that incorporates the fabric composition described herein will dictate the properties of the final garment. The garment could be formed completely of the fabric composition described herein, thereby increasing the heating effect of the garment. Alternatively, the garment may be only partly formed of the fabric composition described herein, allowing the quantum of the beneficial effects provided by the fabric composition to be varied as desired. In particular, it would enable targeted heating of particular body parts.

The beneficial effects of the garment are heightened during exercise. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the garment is suitable for wearing during a form of exercise. The garment also offers beneficial effects when worn immediately after exercise during recovery. Therefore, the garment may be worn during exercise and/or immediately after exercise.

The garment may be in the form of a pair of shorts, a top (long-sleeved or short-sleeved), a hooded top, a vest, a pair of capri leggings, or a pair of leggings. The range of garments allows various body parts to be covered by the fabric composition described herein and so enables targeting of the beneficial effects associated with wearing the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). Covering a greater proportion of the user's body increases the beneficial effects provided by the garment. For example, leggings provide a greater effect relative to shorts.

In forming the fabric composition, the mixed metal oxide may be mixed with a binder to form a binder layer, which in turn is applied to the neoprene layer. The first cover layer may be applied to a first binder layer. The second cover layer can be adhered to the neoprene layer via a second binder layer.

The mixed metal oxide may be coated onto any of the other components of the fabric composition. This could be achieved by dip-coating the fabric component in a suspension of the mixed metal oxide.

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will now be described with reference to the following drawings.

One embodiment of the fabric composition of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is depicted in FIG. 1. The fabric 2 has a first cover layer 4 made of a nylon/polyester mix. Positioned atop the first cover layer 4 is a first binder layer 6 of cured adhesive containing the mixed metal oxide dispersed throughout. Sited atop the first binder layer 6 is a neoprene layer 8. The binder layer 6 acts to adhere the neoprene layer 8 to the first cover layer 4. Positioned atop the neoprene layer 8 is a second binder layer 12 which adheres a second cover layer 10 to the neoprene layer 8. The layers of the fabric 2 depicted in FIG. 1 are coextensive with no discontinuities present in any of the layers.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a garment formed from the fabric 2 in the form of a pair of shorts 14. The shorts were constructed using fabric with the layer arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 such that the first cover layer was the inner surface of the garment.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the garment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), which is a pair of leggings 16 that provides full leg coverage for the wearer.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the garment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), which is a pair of capri leggings 18 that provide leg coverage that is between that of the shorts 14 and that of the leggings 16.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the garment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), which is a long-sleeved top 20 that provides coverage of the upper body including arms.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the garment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), which is a vest 22 that provides coverage of the upper body excluding arms.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the garment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), which is a hooded long-sleeved top 24 that provides additional coverage for the head relative to the long sleeved top 20 depicted in FIG. 5.

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is now illustrated in a non-limiting manner with reference to the following examples.

EXAMPLES

The mixed metal oxide was Ceramond SAM (available from Wuxi Daintex Co. Ltd), in the form of a suspension of metal oxides and exhibited a white milky colour. Analysis of the powder contained in the suspension was carried out prior to its incorporation into the fabric using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). EDX was performed with an acquisition time of 120 seconds and an accelerating voltage of 15 kV. The analysis showed that aluminium, silicon and zinc were present in a weight ratio of 12.4:77.6:10.0, respectively.

Particle size of the Ceramond SAM was determined by light scattering (photon correlation spectroscopy) at 25° C. using a run time of 200 seconds. The mean particle size was determined to be 1753.5 nanometres with a standard deviation of 874.00 nanometres.

The effectiveness of the resulting shorts (denoted HP garment hereafter) in facilitating weight loss was determined by a study that compared them with a control garment. The control garment was a pair of conventional exercise shorts of the prior art.

It was found that wearing the HP garment during exercise results in a 11.3% increase in energy expenditure compared to wearing the control garment and a 12.5% increase in energy expenditure compared to wearing the control garment for 30 min to 1 hour after exercise, if they are on during resting recovery. Following the period of exercise wearing the HP garment there was a 10.6% increase in core temperature and a 4% increase in thigh temperature. The change in weight following exercise while wearing the HP garment is twice that for the control garment: 0.6 kg compared to 0.3 kg.

Therefore, in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), there have been provided fabric compositions, as well as garments formed therefrom and methods of production and use of the fabric compositions/garments, that fully satisfy the objectives and advantages set forth hereinabove. Although the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) has been described in conjunction with the specific drawings, experimentation, results, and language set forth hereinabove, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fabric composition, comprising: neoprene; and a mixed metal oxide comprising aluminium and silicon.
 2. The fabric composition of claim 1, wherein the mixed metal oxide further comprises zinc and/or magnesium.
 3. The fabric composition of claim 1, wherein the neoprene is present as a layer of the fabric composition.
 4. The fabric composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more binder layer(s).
 5. The fabric composition of claim 4, wherein the mixed metal oxide is present in at least one of the binder layer(s).
 6. The fabric composition of claim 1, further comprising a first cover layer.
 7. The fabric composition of claim 6, wherein the first cover layer comprises nylon and/or polyester.
 8. The fabric composition of claim 6, further comprising a second cover layer.
 9. The fabric composition of claim 8, wherein the second cover layer comprises nylon and/or polyester.
 10. The fabric composition of claim 8, wherein the neoprene layer is positioned between the first cover layer and the second cover layer.
 11. The fabric composition of claim 1, wherein the fabric composition further comprises tourmaline.
 12. The fabric composition of claim 1, when the fabric composition comprises: (i) a first cover layer comprising nylon and/or polyester, (ii) a second cover layer comprising nylon and/or polyester, (iii) a neoprene layer, (iv) a first binder layer between the first cover layer and the neoprene layer; (v) a second binder layer between the second cover layer and the neoprene layer; and wherein the mixed metal oxide is present in the first binder layer.
 13. A garment, wherein at least a portion of the garment is formed from the fabric composition of claim
 1. 14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the garment is for wearing during exercise.
 15. The garment of claim 13, wherein the garment is in the form of a pair of shorts, a top, a pair of capri leggings, and/or a pair of leggings.
 16. A method of incorporating a mixed metal oxide into a fabric composition to produce the fabric composition of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a) mixing the mixed metal oxide with a binder, wherein the mixed metal oxide comprises aluminium and silicon; and b) applying the mixture to a neoprene layer.
 17. A method of forming a garment that functions to increase a body temperature, increase an energy expenditure, and/or assist in weight loss of a wearer of the garment, the method comprising the step of: forming at least a portion of the garment from the fabric composition of claim
 1. 18. A method, of increasing the body temperature of a person, of increasing the energy expenditure of a person, and/or assisting weight loss of a person comprising the step of: forming at least a portion of a garment from the fabric composition of claim 1; and disposing the garment on at least a portion of the body of the person, wherein the person wears the garment.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein body temperature is increased, energy expenditure is increased, and/or weight loss is assisted during or immediately after exercise. 